The Zoo Story Questions and Answers
The Zoo Story
In The Zoo Story, what does Jerry's interaction with the dog symbolize?
In The Zoo Story, Jerry's interaction with the dog symbolizes the futility of human actions and the indifference of the world. Despite his efforts to befriend or harm the dog, it remains indifferent,...
The Zoo Story
Jerry's purpose and motive in Edward Albee's The Zoo Story
In Edward Albee's The Zoo Story, Jerry's purpose is to communicate his profound sense of isolation and disconnection from society. His motive is to provoke Peter into an authentic human interaction,...
The Zoo Story
In "The Zoo Story," why does Peter stay with Jerry in the park for the entire play?
Peter remains in the park with Jerry throughout the entirety of "The Zoo Story" initially to be polite and later due to the fact that he gets into a fight with Jerry.
The Zoo Story
What happens at the end of "The Zoo Story"?
At the end of "The Zoo Story," Jerry achieves his goal of making a significant impact on another person by manipulating Peter into holding a knife defensively. Jerry then charges at Peter, impaling...
The Zoo Story
What is the theme of Edward Albee's The Zoo Story?
The theme of Edward Albee's The Zoo Story is the isolation and alienation of modern man, exacerbated by capitalism. The play contrasts Peter, a middle-class man unaware of his isolation, with Jerry,...
The Zoo Story
Why is the play titled The Zoo Story?
The play is titled The Zoo Story because Jerry announces he has been to the zoo, which initiates the play's events. Additionally, the title symbolizes the confusion, chaos, and unrestrained behavior...
The Zoo Story
How does the landlady treat Jerry in The Zoo Story?
In The Zoo Story, the landlady acts very badly towards Jerry. She's forever leaning around the entrance hall, spying on him to make sure he doesn't bring in any things or people. She also corners...
The Zoo Story
What is the significance of Jerry's knife and Peter's book in The Zoo Story?
Jerry's knife symbolizes a desire for personal connection, as stabbing requires proximity and intimacy, reflecting Jerry's yearning for closeness. In contrast, Peter's book represents his detachment...
The Zoo Story
In Edward Albee's The Zoo Story, why did Jerry end his life in a strange way?
In "The Zoo Story," Jerry's strange end reflects the play's blend of realism and absurdity. Albee highlights the absurdity of human existence, suggesting that rational explanations for Jerry's...
The Zoo Story
How does The Zoo Story criticize modern capitalist society?
One could argue that The Zoo Story becomes a criticism of modern capitalist society by showing how it marginalizes true individuals like Jerry.
The Zoo Story
How does the animal story relate to the actors' existence in "The Zoo Story"?
In "The Zoo Story," the characters' existence parallels animals in captivity. Peter's structured life contrasts with Jerry's unconventional behavior, much like animals in artificial settings. Jerry's...
The Zoo Story
In "The Zoo Story," what does Jerry hope will happen in Peter's future?
In "The Zoo Story," Jerry hopes that Peter will live life as an animal rather than a vegetable, meaning he should actively choose his life and fight for what he has, rather than living passively and...
The Zoo Story
Why does Jerry suggest Peter will get mouth cancer in "The Zoo Story"?
In "The Zoo Story," Jerry suggests Peter will get mouth cancer from smoking his pipe, highlighting Jerry's blunt and presumptuous nature. This interaction immediately reveals Jerry as an unusual...
The Zoo Story
Why does Jerry attempt to love the dog in The Zoo Story?
Jerry attempts to love the dog belonging to his landlady as a way to stop its aggressive behavior towards him. He perceives the dog as hostile, unlike most animals that are indifferent to him. Jerry...
The Zoo Story
Why does Jerry share his life story with Peter in The Zoo Story?
Jerry shares his life story with Peter to manipulate him into committing murder, as Jerry seeks death but views suicide as an admission of failure. Jerry's aggressive approach signifies his struggle...